The Koffler family built Super-Pharm. A third of it now belongs to a businessman whose other company imports Toyota and H&M into Israel. The pharmacy chain map, and the unlikely owners behind it.
Super-Pharm, Israel's dominant pharmacy chain, is controlled by the Canadian-Israeli Koffler family — but a third of it now belongs to a businessman whose other company is Israel's official importer for both Toyota and H&M.
The Koffler Family's Pharmacy Empire
Super-Pharm was founded in 1978 by Leon Koffler, who modeled the chain on the Canadian pharmacy brand Shoppers Drug Mart his family had built. It broke from Israeli pharmacy convention from day one by staying open on Shabbat and selling a broad retail mix beyond medication, including cosmetics and groceries. The chain grew to roughly 300 branches across Israel, plus operations in Poland, generating an estimated NIS 5 billion in annual Israeli sales as of 2018. Bank Leumi acquired an early stake in 2007, and by 2019 held 15-18% of the company through its investment arm, Leumi Partners.
George Horesh Buys a Third of the Chain
In 2019, businessman George Horesh, controlling shareholder of holding company Union, paid roughly 560 million shekels to acquire a 33% stake in Super-Pharm at a valuation of NIS 1.7 billion ($476 million), buying shares from Bank Leumi, Discount Bank, and Leon Koffler personally. Horesh's Union group has a retail and automotive portfolio far removed from pharmacies: it is Israel's official importer for Toyota vehicles and for the H&M fashion brand, giving Horesh a stake spanning cars, clothing, and drugstores simultaneously.
The Competitive Landscape: Be and New Pharm
Super-Pharm's leading domestic rival, Be, was formerly known as Nu-Pharm and was owned by department store holding company Hamashbir 365 before Israeli grocery chain Super-Sol bought it and rebranded it as a more direct, professionalized competitor to Super-Pharm — meaning Israel's two largest pharmacy chains both trace back to owners better known for entirely different retail categories.
The Map, at a Glance
- Super-Pharm — founded and still substantially controlled by the Koffler family; George Horesh (Union Group) holds 33% since 2019.
- Be (formerly Nu-Pharm) — owned by supermarket chain Super-Sol, after acquiring it from Hamashbir 365.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Super-Pharm?
The Koffler family founded and remains substantially invested in Super-Pharm, though businessman George Horesh acquired a 33% stake in 2019 through his Union Group holding company.
Is Super-Pharm's new part-owner connected to other Israeli retail brands?
Yes. George Horesh's Union Group is also Israel's official importer for Toyota vehicles and the H&M fashion brand.
Who owns Be pharmacy chain?
Supermarket chain Super-Sol owns Be, after acquiring the chain (formerly Nu-Pharm) from department store group Hamashbir 365.
Sources
Haaretz, George Horesh's 33% Super-Pharm acquisition; Wikipedia, Super-Pharm; Who Profits, Super-Pharm ownership breakdown.
How we report: Olam stories draw on public filings, company disclosures and named sources, checked by our editors. Read our methodology · Corrections
